“We have carefully reviewed your application and we have decided not to move forward with your candidacy.”
Never in my 20+ year career in government technology have I gotten this many rejection letters. It’s hard not to take it personally, and even harder to keep imposter syndrome from creeping in.
I’m a design generalist who’s done a bit of everything. SEO and content, information architecture, design tokens/variables, leading research sessions, building surveys. I’ve had the chance to grow across teams and problem spaces. I’ve coached and mentored designers, researchers, and product folks, and I’ve helped teams that were struggling to collaborate rally around processes that actually work. Over the last five years I’ve focused on user experience and design leadership, design systems, and product design.
I’ve also had the privilege to work impactful projects:
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services design system
- 18F methods
- Veterans Health Administration Enrollment System
Right now, the government tech climate isn’t great. Layoffs and reductions are hitting not just agencies and vendors, but big tech broadly. Add the nonstop AI drumbeat and, yeah, I’m concerned about future employment. I’m finding myself looking for off-ramps in a space that used to feel secure and established.
I’ve tried different styles and lengths of résumés and cover letters. I’ve tailored them for UX lead, design system, and senior product design roles I’m genuinely qualified for. What’s come back is a flood of no’s that doesn’t match the experience and value I know I can bring.
As a bit of comic relief, I’m reminding myself: “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and doggone it, people like me.” I don’t always feel it when the twelfth “unfortunately” hits my inbox, but I believe it.
If you’re hiring, or know someone who is, I’d love to chat about where my skills could plug in.
A few of the recent replies
I’ve sent well over a hundred applications. Here’s the general flavor of what’s been coming back. It’s the reality a lot of folks are living through right now.
“Unfortunately, we’ve decided to move forward with another candidate who matches the job requirements more closely.”
“At this time, we will not be further considering you for this opportunity.”
“We've reviewed your application and unfortunately, we won't be moving forward with your application this time around.”
“We regret to inform you that we will not be moving forward with you for the position at this time.”
“After careful consideration, we have decided to pursue other candidates who more closely align with the requirements of the position.”
“We will unfortunately not be proceeding with your candidacy at this time.”
“Due to the position being no longer available, we will not be proceeding with your application at this time.”
“We regret to inform you that you will not be moving forward in the process because this position has been filled.”
“After careful consideration, we will not be progressing with your application for this particular opportunity.”
“Unfortunately, this position has been filled and we will be removing it from our careers page.”
“Unfortunately we’re already moving forward with other applicants and are unable to consider you for this role.”
“Unfortunately, we are not able to offer you employment at this time.”
“Unfortunately, the hiring team has decided to pursue with other candidates at this time and will not be moving forward with your application.”
“Unfortunately, you have not been selected for Senior Design Systems Designer.”
“Unfortunately, we won’t be moving forward with your candidacy for our Staff Product Designer, Design Systems position”
“Based on the needs of the hiring team, your skills and experience do not exactly match what we are looking for to fill the position.”
“We reviewed your skills and experience, and unfortunately won’t be moving forward with your application at this time.”
“Unfortunately, we will not be progressing your application further.”
“We've reviewed what you shared with us and, unfortunately, we did not find a match with what the team is looking for — at the moment!”
“We've had a chance to review your resume and unfortunately we won't be moving forward with your application for this role.”
“Unfortunately, we won't be advancing you to the next round of our hiring process at this time.”
“Unfortunately, we will not be moving forward with your application, but we appreciate your time and interest”
What I bring
- Design leadership: UX, product, and design ops that stay close to the work.
- Team coaching & facilitation: Fostering collaboration, clear sessions with stakeholders, leveling up team engagement.
- Systems thinking: standing up, scaling and refactoring design systems.
- Pragmatism: shipping good work under real constraints, prioritizing outcomes, untangling complex systems.